Siren Fest 2010 was my first time at the free music event. It was conveniently located two blocks away from my job. However, I was working that day, so I wasn't able to see that many bands perform. I did hear some of Surfer Blood and The Night Marchers from work. I saw Screaming Females, Ted Leo, and some of Matt & Kim. Here are 3 highlights:
1. Screaming Females entire set. Anxiously gathering my stuff from my locker two blocks away at the New York Aquarium, I hear Screaming Females perform. I got my supervisor to adjust my lunch break to 2pm, just so I could see Screamales. Sure, I've seen this band about a dozen times but what's one more? Each time I've seen this band live they've delivered a different set. Few bands can impress me the way they do. The band went into "Starving Dog," one of my favorites. I was still at work. I was headbanging, two stepping - trying to pull myself away quickly. It was hot and sticky out. But I did what my heart compelled me to do. I ran--two long blocks including the run out of the aquarium, almost nonstop to see a band I've seen numerous times, as if this was the only chance I'd ever get to see them. Running, as though, for dear life. As if I needed to desperately see them. But it was just love. Yeah they say love makes you do crazy things. I could hear co-workers say, "She's running?" with surprise, shock, and awe. By the time I arrived, sweaty, somewhat panting, I moved as far, but as comfortably toward the front as I could. That wasn't too far up, but compared to the space I did a nice job. I was hanging to the left of the stage by the RXP banners with plenty of dancing space. This ruled.
The band ripped through a super tight, fast, loud, and groovy songs including "Bell," "Starving Dog," "Lights Out," and a new one or two. I couldn't help but move around and two-step. The sound was great. I was impressed. There seemed to be a bunch of impromptu guitar soloing and Marissa's screams were great. I ended up dancing with two girls, who seemed to have been inspired by my lead in dancing along to the band. We were all dancing together. I was dancing around, having a merry time without a care in the world. Screaming Females played an amazing "Lights Out" and closed with "Boyfriend," a fucking great song that was probably only my third time hearing live. As they say, I went flipping off.
The band ripped through a super tight, fast, loud, and groovy songs including "Bell," "Starving Dog," "Lights Out," and a new one or two. I couldn't help but move around and two-step. The sound was great. I was impressed. There seemed to be a bunch of impromptu guitar soloing and Marissa's screams were great. I ended up dancing with two girls, who seemed to have been inspired by my lead in dancing along to the band. We were all dancing together. I was dancing around, having a merry time without a care in the world. Screaming Females played an amazing "Lights Out" and closed with "Boyfriend," a fucking great song that was probably only my third time hearing live. As they say, I went flipping off.
It's hard to wonder why so many bands think their shows won't turn out well. Bands are bigger then they think. I always have faith in bands. The crowd was pretty big when the band played. Screaming Females deserved this show. I know they won over many fans. Each time I see Screaming Females I wonder if they can top their last show and each time, they fucking do.
2. Ted Leo's set. I haven't heard Ted Leo play live since I first saw them at Maxwell's in 2008. The song s came across heavier than I remembered. "Where Have All The Rude Boys Gone" was finely played. It was also my first chance hearing the new material live. Marissa Paternoster of Screaming Females also sung a new song with Ted Leo.
3. Seeing a dude climb up the fence to sit atop during Matt & Kim's set. Folks around me didn't know if this guy was going to jump or what. But since we were all in the back it was tough to see even with the two big projects on stage. This guy took it upon himself to make sure he could both sit and see. Photograph proof is below.
